Over 550 community members attended the 38th annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Quakertown Music Promoters Organization (QMPO) on March 16. The event raised over $9,100, as student musicians performed for guests while dinner was prepared from scratch and served at Quakertown Community High School. Many local businesses donated food and raffle baskets for the event.
The first Spaghetti Dinner was in 1986. Sascha Baringer, the organization’s first president said, “I am proud to know that this event, which was just a simple idea at first, continues to be an annual tradition to support the high school music program.”
Students from the middle and high school music programs performed throughout the night. Students were elated to showcase their skills and encourage their audience to invest in their programs. Performances included selections from audition-based private vocal lesson students, Quakertown Percussion indoor drumline, Quakertown Color Guard, student-led Brass Band, Strayer Middle School Jazz Band, QCHS Jazz Band, Varsity Singers, Acapella Group, and student-led Jazz Trio.
Community volunteers helped serve food, cleanup, and other helpful tasks throughout the event, as well.
A team of enthusiastic volunteers work behind the scenes to keep the event running smoothly.
“This event, from the food to raffles and donations, all ran smoothly due to the hard work and dedication of our committee members and volunteers,” said Spaghetti Dinner coordinator and Assistant Vice President-Choir on the QMPO Executive Board, Susan Sheridan. “It was a team effort to coordinate an event of this magnitude. I had a great team who made this possible and successful.”
The Spaghetti Dinner is an important and historical QMPO tradition, showcasing who QMPO is and what they do, as well as raising awareness about music education programs and students' potential future in music. QMPO advocates for music and the arts in Quakertown schools. Funds raised at the dinner are used to offset additional costs of the music department.
QMPO gathers hundreds of community members for a full house in the high school cafeteria.
“As parents and music lovers, we could not be more proud to share our children's learnings with neighbors who recognize the value of a strong music program in our schools,” said Sue Hansen, secretary of the QMPO organization. “QMPO leadership is humbled to see our community of parent volunteers, neighbors, and friends come together in support of our mission to ensure that the high school music program remains well-resourced for current and future students in the Quakertown Community School District.”
QMPO was founded to supplement the Quakertown schools' efforts to ensure students can experience music education. The organization, made up of Quakertown families, works to instill a strong basis of music and art education in students. QMPO helps music educators bring their vision to life and inspire students to be involved with music during and after their school experience.